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Irbesartan |
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What is Irbesartan and why is it prescribed? Irbesartan is used to treat high blood pressure. Irbesartan works by preventing the hormone angiotensin II from narrowing the blood vessels, an action that tends to raise blood pressure. Irbesartan may be prescribed alone or with other blood pressure medications. In people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, Irbesartan is also prescribed to stave off damage to the kidneys, often delaying the need for dialysis and a kidney transplant. You must take Irbesartan regularly for it to be effective. Irbesartan does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Irbesartan? Follow your doctors directions for taking Irbesartan. Take your dose of Irbesartan around the same time every day, with or without food. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. Store Irbesartan at room temperature. Are there any Irbesartan side effects? Irbesartan side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Irbesartan side effects may include diarrhea, fatigue, and respiratory tract infection. Less common Irbesartan side effects may include heartburn and indigestion. Rare Irbesartan side effects may include abdominal bloating, arthritis, bronchitis, bruising, bursitis, chest pain, chills, congestion, constipation, depression, difficulty breathing, drowsiness, ear infection, ear pain, emotional disturbances, eye infection, eye problems, face swelling, face reddening, fainting, fever, flushing, gas, gout, hearing problems, heart attack, heart failure, heart murmur, hives, irregular heartbeat, itching, jaundice, joint stiffness, muscle aches, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, nosebleeds, numbness, oral sores, prostate problems, sex drive changes, sexual dysfunction, skin eruptions, skin inflammation, skin tingling, sleep problems, stomach and intestinal inflammation, stroke, swelling, swollen mouth or throat, tremor, urination problems, vision problems, and wheezing. In people taking Irbesartan for diabetic kidney disease, the most common side effect is dizziness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Irbesartan? If Irbesartan is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. The chances of an interaction with Irbesartan are low. Check with your doctor before combining Irbesartan with tolbutamide (Orinase). Are there any special warnings about Irbesartan? In rare cases, Irbesartan can cause a severe drop in blood pressure. The problem is more likely if your body's supply of water has been depleted by dialysis treatments or high doses of diuretics. Symptoms include light-headedness, dizziness, and faintness, and are more likely when you first start taking Irbesartan. Call your doctor if they occur. You may need to have your dose adjusted. If you have kidney disease, Irbesartan must be used with caution. |
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